Having someone round for drinks? Elevate your offering with a moonshine drink. Wow your friends and family with some background on moonshine and then tantalise their taste buds with your own take on these moonshine recipes, that are designed to impress. Whatever the occasion, this versatile drink fits the bill perfectly, so read on to be inspired.
The history of moonshine
Moonshine has a history of being imbibed illicitly, which gives it an air of mystery. In the aftermath of the American revolution people secretly began distilling alcohol to fight against rising liquor taxes to foot the war bill. When prohibition was enforced in the US in 1920, moonshine came into its own, fuelling the rise of speakeasies and bootlegging as the alcohol trade went underground.
Fast forward to today, and you no longer need a secret knock or passcode to get into your favourite moonshine serving establishment, but what you can do is enjoy the history of this versatile drink and enjoy it as a delicious alternative to other mainstream spirits.
How to drink moonshine
Traditionally, moonshine was made with whatever crop farmers had left over at the end of the season. This makes it a wonderfully diverse drink that you can enjoy in many different varieties, to savour the taste profile of the main ingredient.
As it is made through fermentation and distillation, moonshine often takes on flavour profiles and strengths similar to whisky and as such can be an enjoyable alternative to those who like a tot of scotch, Irish whiskey or other worldly varieties. A popular way to enjoy moonshine is to keep things simple, serving either neat or on the rocks.
Since there are also a range of flavoured moonshine drinks on the market, it is also possible to enjoy these as part of a longer, thirst quenching drink, that can be tailored to the seasons and individual tastes. We have shared a few simple moonshine recipes below.
Moonshine recipes
Moonshine Moscow Mule
This simple moonshine recipe just needs a tot of moonshine, topped up with ginger beer and garnished with a lime wedge.
Moonshakes (Moonshine Milkshakes)
For those who love a cool, creamy drink on a hot summer’s day this is sure to be a winner. Simply add a shot of your chosen moonshine liqueur to a blender with your choice of milk and ice cream. Blend and serve with chocolate flakes for extra decadence.
Moonshine Mint Julep
Add 50ml of moonshine and 20ml of simple sugar syrup to a julep cup. Shake and serve over crushed ice and garnished with a sprig of mint, for a refreshing drink that brings out the best of those moonshine flavours.
Moonshine Hot Chocolate
Moonshine liqueurs make the ideal addition to hot chocolate for a wonderful winter warmer. Simply Warm your milk and chocolate powder in a pan and then add a shot of your chosen moonshine at the end. Serve in your favourite mug, top with whipped cream and mini marshmallows- perfect before bed on Christmas Eve or for Halloween or Bonfire Night gatherings.
Moonshine Lemonade
Sweet moonshine liqueurs such as marshmallow moonshine work perfectly when simply topped up with lemonade. Liven them up and experiment with different varieties, including rose lemonade, cloudy lemonade or a tart raspberry lemonade. Serve in a highball glass, filled with ice and garnish with a frozen raspberry for added sophistication.
If you’re looking for more inspiration for moonshine recipes you can visit The Sweet Potato Spirit Company. You can order sweet potato spirits including a number of moonshine drinks and liqueurs from their website, which also contains a wealth of cocktail recipes.